Peace is a person, not a place.

Though the above picture does cause one to breathe deeply and find a moment of Peace, we have all heard the expression; don’t let “it” steal your Peace. The “it” differs for everyone, not a universal thing or circumstance.

No one is exempt from the valleys, where sunlight is not felt, but we know it shines. Walking through this valley, I am not going to lie; I have prayed that the mountain would be removed. And though things have miraculously improved, I am still in the valley. Like Papa God in His timing, I was at an event this past weekend where every speaker spoke of trusting GOD in those valleys and relying entirely on Holy Spirit.

I will not lie; fear and anxiety have gripped me, but to deny my feelings isn’t being strong or courageous. I have learned that denying my emotions is my way of self-protecting, and in reality, it is nothing that I can lean on when life gets hard.

Denying my emotion makes it hard to align them with God’s word. Acknowledge my feelings, and ask God what lie I believe and where the root comes from. Once I have done that, then I can exchange it for truth.

The first of the year, I heard these words drop in my heart: Georgia, I want you to step out of the boat. I have been taking one step at a time, not knowing where I am going. But the Lord has had me on a path of inner healing. Indeed I have Christianized my response to life’s disappointments, grief, bitterness, or even anger.

“It’s all good.”

“I give it to you, Lord.”

I now see those responses as denial, and I honestly thought I was being spiritual about it. I am so thankful for God’s mercy and grace: new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). I am on a journey of healing, mind, soul, and body. My spirit is being ministered to by Holy Spirit. 

I have been told to follow the Peace; it’s a new level of trust, keeping my eyes on the THRONE, yet being honest with my emotions and giving them to God. I need to learn to be still and honestly give him my tears. This scripture was dropped in my heart as I made the exchange this morning:

Georgia, do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the Peace of God transcends all (my) understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Jesus is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Peace is a person, not a place, and I hold onto HIS hand as I walk this out.

“It isn’t enough to talk about Peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” -Eleanor Roosevelt.